American Roman Catholic Bishops Criticize White House Immigration Enforcement
Via a rare public statement, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has delivered a sharp criticism of the Trump administration's border enforcement measures.
Special Message Shows Deep Concern
Church leaders voiced being disturbed by risks to the sacred nature of houses of worship and the special nature of healthcare centers and learning establishments.
Nations must maintain border control while developing equitable, systematic immigration processes that serve public welfare.
Environment of Apprehension
Within their declaration, the religious figures described what they labeled "a climate of fear around questions of profiling" and border control measures.
They revealed being disheartened by the current discussion and negative portrayal of immigrants, while opposing what they described as "the widespread removal of people."
Other Worries
Religious leaders also expressed serious worries about:
- Conditions in border holding facilities
- Random revocation of legal status for various foreign nationals
- Absence of meaningful immigration reform
Policy Changes
The Trump administration has pursued an aggressive immigration agenda since assuming power, including eliminating policies that restricted immigration arrests near protected areas such as religious institutions, medical facilities and educational centers.
Worldwide Dimension
The message echoes similar critiques made by the Vatican leader, who has advocated for "serious consideration about the way foreign nationals are being addressed in the US under Trump."
Wider Consequences
This constitutes the premier official declaration of its nature in more than ten years, emphasizing the gravity of the bishops' concerns about existing enforcement approaches.
